An armed encounter between Army forces and members of the New People’s Army broke out in the hinterlands of Barangay Gusaran in Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar, early Wednesday morning, leaving one rebel dead and prompting the recovery of a rifle and several documents.
The clash happened at around 6:57 a.m. on December 10, 2025, when soldiers from the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion under the 803rd Infantry Brigade responded to a report from a concerned civilian. According to the Army, the informant alerted authorities about persistent extortion and terror activities allegedly carried out by members of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit operating in the area.
A firefight lasting about 30 minutes followed. Troops later confirmed that one NPA member died during the encounter. Soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle, magazines, backpacks, a bandolier, personal belongings, and various subversive documents from the site.
Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, attributed the operation’s success to active community cooperation. He commended his unit for its prompt and disciplined response.
Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, who leads the 803rd Brigade, praised the civilian who provided the tip and urged local residents, especially those in geographically isolated communities, to continue reporting suspicious activities. He also encouraged remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of government assistance programs.
The unit said it remains focused on its efforts to dismantle the remaining communist armed presence in Northern Samar. Guided by its call for unity and peace, the 19th Infantry Battalion vowed to sustain operations aimed at securing communities and supporting development initiatives in the province.
